In his iconic musical Rent, Jonathan Larson posed an interesting question: how DO you measure a year?

It’s always fun to have a check-in at year end to look at where the company is at—how it’s grown, where your revenue came from, new clients etc. We use the term fun because it is! The dreaded Year End Review doesn’t have to be as intimidating as some people make it sound. If you ask Google, you’ll find a plethora of articles with ominous undertones alluding to damage control, the need for profit increase and step-by-step guides on how to deliver an employee performance review. Sound fun? Not really. This is where we draw counsel from an unlikely source: the Broadway hit Rent.

Rent is one of the most critically acclaimed rock musicals of its time. Inspired by Puccini’s 1896 opera La Vie Boheme, it premiered in 1996 and was one of the longest-running shows on Broadway—12 years to be exact. When the production closed in 2008, it had grossed over $280 million. While composer/lyricist/writer Jonathon Larson passed away before even having seen opening night, we wonder if this is how he would have measured his success?

The script highlights a year in the life of individuals navigating triumphs, challenges and growth—relatable to everyone, in businesses or not.  Perhaps the most recognized song in Rent is “Seasons of Love”. It’s become a staple in pop culture (particularly during a year’s end) thanks to its honest and reflective nature. Larson asks if we measure a year in “daylight, in sunsets, in midnights” or “cups of coffee?” With times a-changin’, we’ve certainly learned to take a page out of his libretto!

While our past five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes have definitely garnered some infographic-worthy results, our highlights included events such as hosting a meeting over brunch in lieu of Google in what seemed like eons, the addition and insight of new team members and of course our staff Christmas party—where we met some of our colleagues in person for the first time (yes, they were about the height as we thought they’d be).

At our first weekly meeting of the new year, it was great to touch base on areas where we’ve seen growth, clients we’ve welcomed or bid farewell to and upcoming projects, but in asking the team how they felt the year had gone, the response was just lovely. Everyone focused on how working with MCQUEEN had brightened darker times, given purpose, the much appreciated and well-navigated support of our CEO and just how enjoyable some undertakings had been. As we look forward to the year ahead why not take inspiration from Larson and “measure in love?”

What will you choose to shine the spotlight on this year?

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